Managed by Clifton Backies Management Board with close links to City of York Council and the Friends of Clifton Backies.

Access

Open access. The main paths are level and well surfaced.
There are two access points from the car park. Wheelchair access is by the path to the right, as the kissing gate entrance is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Alternative access is through Tatton Close, Herd Close, Headley Close and also through Bootham Stray.

Description

Clifton Backies was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2002. It is situated between Bootham Stray and Water Lane in Clifton Without. This area has seen varied use over the centuries, from arable fields in monastic times to an airfield in World War II. Surviving historic features include the ridges and furrows created by medieval ox ploughs, the concrete airfield paths that provide level access today and the old blast shelters.

A leaflet on the history and ecology of the site is available from City of York Council Parks and Open Spaces team by telephoning 01904 553440.

How to get involved

For more information about the site or how to get involved contact Mick Phythian, the Chair of the Friends of Clifton Backies by telephoning 01904 421218 or email mick@phythian.org.uk

Wildlife

Birds - warblers, blackbirds, field flares, redwings, herons and kingfishers

Animals - water voles, fox, deer and field mouse

Wildflowers / Grasses - dog's tail, knapweed, red clover, great burnet, pignut

Waterside plants - watercress, water forget-me-not

Bus

Buses run frequently from the city centre. Alight at Water Lane. See our webpage for bus services in York.

Parking

There are 5 parking spaces in a car park off Woodland Chase on Water Lane.